And while he has been labelled as overrated by some commentators in the early part of this season because of his inability to have any impact on games, Eagles forward Josh Kennedy says he’s worth the big money.

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“If I had a million bucks I'd pay him to get him in my team,” Kennedy said.

“He's a superstar. His form might not be showing that at the moment, but the way he can turn the game on and light it up is better than anyone.

“I'd love him to stay here and I'd take a pay cut for him. Hopefully he does sign that bit of paper and we lock him in for the next five years.”

Coach Adam Simpson has chosen to allow Naitanui to gain his match fitness in AFL games after he missed the entire pre-season, rather than send him back to the WAFL.

He has played in all seven of the Eagles games this season and has averaged just 10.7 possessions, 1.3 marks, 14 hit-outs and kicked only one goal.

In the Eagles four consecutive losses heading into Sunday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney, he has taken just three marks in total and failed to hit the scoreboard.

Kennedy doesn’t believe there is a link between Naitanui’s form and his contract negotiations.

“I don't know if it's been a distraction for him. He hasn't really played much footy the last few years just due to injury,” Kennedy said.

“His biggest thing is getting out there and playing games. The first few might not be that great, but the more consistency he plays the games, the better his body adapts to it and we'll see him back into that All-Australian form.”

In arguably his best season, 2012, Naitanui averaged 13 disposals per game, three marks, 3.4 tackles, 24.7 hit-outs and kicked 24.14 in 22 outings. He was the perfect support for veteran ruckman Dean Cox.

They are figures he is so far away from now.

But Kennedy is convinced that Naitanui is a player that the Eagles should commit to long term.

“He's still a young player learning the ropes. His ability to jump, to mark, in the ruck to win hit-outs, but then at ground level to be able to put the pressure on and win the footy – he's a ruckman but he's also an extra midfielder for us,” he said.